On Nov. 5, the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) board considered adopting its 2026 and 2027 budgets, including new water and electrical rates. However, members raised concerns about approving the budget before hearing full public input.

“We have a hearing on water rates on Nov. 19,” said TDPUD Board Director Courtney Murrell. “I’m just not comfortable approving a budget that includes those rates before hearing from the public at that meeting.”

The proposed budgets include average water rate increases of 6.5% in both 2026 and 2027. Electric rates are proposed to rise by 5% in 2026 and another 5% in 2027. According to staff, these increases are needed to address aging infrastructure and fund timely capital replacement projects.

According to staff, TDPUD staff have spent the summer and fall presenting the budget process to the community, including independent analyses and industry factors driving the proposed water and electric rate increases.

Some board members disagreed with Murrell, arguing that approving the budgets now would recognize the significant time and effort invested in their preparation. They also noted that the budgets could be amended later if necessary.

“The budget is a living document,” said TDPUD Board President Christa Finn. “It’s not set in stone — it can be changed at any time as conditions evolve.”

Finn also pointed out that deferring action could make the Nov. 19 meeting longer. However, staff confirmed that delaying adoption would not affect project timelines.

“I do think perception matters,” Murrell responded. “Listening to the public and being considerate — that’s our job. If it’s a long meeting, so be it.”

After discussion, the board voted to defer adoption of the 2026 and 2027 budgets and reopen the public hearing until Nov. 19, when it will also consider the adoption of new water rates.